Expander and Action Figure with an Expander

ABSTRACT

An expander has a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration. The expander has at least one expander component that is movably coupled to another expander component. The expander may be used with a toy figure. In one implementation, each of the expander components is pivotally coupled to another expander component. The expander includes a biasing member that biases adjacent expander components away from each other.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority under 35 U.S.C.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/431,835 entitled “Expanderand Action Figure with an Expander,” filed Jan. 11, 2011, the disclosureof which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a reconfigurable toy, and inparticular, to a toy that is positionable in a retracted or collapsedconfiguration and in a deployed or use configuration. The presentinvention also relates to an expander and an action figure with anexpander, and in particular, to an action figure with an expander thatincludes one or more expander members.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Some reconfigurable toys are known in the art. Reconfigurable toys maybe moved between a first configuration and a second configuration by themanual manipulation of a child. Such manual manipulation can becometedious and repetitive such that a child loses interest in the toy.

There is a need for a reconfigurable toy that is automaticallyreconfigured upon release of a latch or catch. There is also a need fora toy or action figure that includes an expander, which enhances theplay using the toy or action figure. Also, there is a need for areconfigurable toy with a novel collapsed configuration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a reconfigurable toy having acollapsed configuration in which the toy is flat and a deployedconfiguration resembling one of a figure or a vehicle.

In one embodiment, the toy includes a first expander member having athin, planar configuration, a first end, and a second end opposite tothe first end; a second expander member having a thin, planarconfiguration, a first end, and a second end opposite to the first endof the second expander member, the second end of the first expandermember being pivotally coupled to the second end of the second expandermember in an end-to-end arrangement, the first expander member beingmovable relative to the second expander member, the first expandermember and the second expander member being placeable in retractedpositions and in expanded or deployed positions relative to each other,the first expander member and the second expander member being angledaway from each other in the expanded positions and parallel to eachother in the retracted positions.

In one embodiment, the toy also includes a first biasing member coupledto the first expander member and to the second expander member, thefirst biasing member biasing the first expander member and the secondexpander member away from each other to the expanded positions.

In one embodiment, the toy also includes a third expander member havinga thin, planar configuration, a first end, and a second end opposite tothe first end of the third expander member, the second end of the thirdexpander member being pivotally coupled to the first end of the secondexpander member in an end-to-end arrangement, the third expander memberbeing movable relative to the second expander member, the third expandermember and the second expander member being placeable in retractedpositions and in expanded positions relative to each other, the thirdexpander member and the second expander member being angled away fromeach other in their expanded positions and parallel to each other intheir retracted positions.

In one embodiment, the toy also includes a second biasing member coupledto the third expander member and to the second expander member, thesecond biasing member moving the third expander member and the secondexpander member away from each other to their expanded positions, thefirst expander member, the second expander member, and the thirdexpander member are proximate to each other and extend along andparallel to each other in their retracted positions when the toy is inits collapsed configuration, and the first expander member, the secondexpander member, and the third expander member are angled away from eachother in their expanded positions when the toy is in its deployedconfiguration.

In another embodiment, the first expander member, the second expandermember, and the third expander member are co-planar in their expandedpositions.

In another embodiment, the first expander member and the third expandermember overly the second expander member when the first expander member,the second expander member, and the third expander member are in theirretracted positions.

In one embodiment, a reconfigurable toy has a flat, collapsedconfiguration and a deployed configuration comprising a first expandermember having a flat configuration and an outer perimeter edge, a secondexpander member having a flat configuration and an outer perimeter edge,the outer perimeter edge of the first expander member being pivotallycoupled to the outer perimeter edge of the second expander member, thefirst expander member and the second expander member being movablebetween retracted positions and expanded positions relative to eachother, the first expander member and the second expander member beingangled away from each other in their expanded positions and extendingalong and parallel to each other in their retracted positions, a firstbiasing member coupled to the first expander member and to the secondexpander member, the first biasing member moving the first expandermember and the second expander member to their expanded positions, athird expander member having a flat configuration and an outer perimeteredge, the other perimeter edge of the third expander member beingpivotally coupled to the outer perimeter edge of the second expandermember, the third expander member and the second expander member beingmovable between retracted positions and expanded positions relative toeach other, the third expander member and the second expander memberbeing angled away from each other in their expanded positions andextending along and parallel to each other in their retracted positions,and a second biasing member coupled to the third expander member and tothe second expander member, the second biasing member moving the thirdexpander member and the second expander member to their expandedpositions, the first expander member, the second expander member, andthe third expander member are in their expanded positions when the toyis in its deployed configuration, and the first expander member, thesecond expander member, and the third expander member are in theirretracted positions when the toy is in its collapsed configuration.

In an alternative embodiment, the first expander member is coupled tothe second expander member in an end-to-end arrangement.

In an alternative embodiment, the first expander member and the secondexpander member contact each other along their length in their retractedpositions, and the third expander member and the second expander membercontact each other along their length in their retracted positions.

In another embodiment, an action figure includes an expander that has acollapsed configuration and a deployed configuration. The expanderincludes multiple expander components or members that are pivotallycoupled to at least one other expander component or member. In thecollapsed configuration, the expander components extend substantiallyparallel to each other. In addition, the expander components are placedalong and next to adjacent expander components in the collapsedconfiguration. When a latch or catch or other retaining mechanism isactivated, the expander components automatically move to their deployedconfigurations due to the biasing members located between adjacentexpander components.

In one embodiment, the expander for an action figure can be mounted tothe hand of the action figure. The expander can resemble a shield orsmall accessory in its collapsed configuration. After the expander isreleased, the expander can resemble a weapon or animal or largeaccessory in its deployed configuration. In some embodiments, theexpander may remain coupled to the hand of the action figure. In otherembodiments, the expander may separate from the action figure and beself-supporting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a toy figure having an expanderaccording to an embodiment of the present invention in a collapsedconfiguration.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the toy figure illustrated in FIG. 1with the expander in an intermediate configuration.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the toy figure illustrated in FIG. 1with the expander in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 3A illustrates a front perspective view of another embodiment ofthe toy the toy figure illustrated in FIG. 1 with the expander in acollapsed configuration.

FIG. 3B illustrates a front perspective view of the toy figureillustrated in FIG. 3A with the expander in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of an expander in aretracted configuration according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4A illustrates a partial plan view of two expander components ofthe expander illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the expander illustrated inFIG. 4.

FIG. 5A illustrates an end perspective view of the mounting portion ofthe expander illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top perspective view of the expander illustrated inFIG. 4 in an intermediate configuration.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side perspective view of the expander illustratedin FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top perspective view of the expander illustrated inFIG. 4 in another intermediate configuration.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of the expander illustrated in FIG. 4 inanother intermediate configuration.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the expander in a deployedconfiguration.

FIG. 11 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the expanderillustrated in FIG. 10.

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate alternative embodiments of action figures withexpanders according to the present invention showing the differentconfigurations of the expanders.

FIG. 14A illustrates another embodiment of an expander reconfiguringfrom its collapsed configuration to its deployed configuration.

FIG. 15 illustrates a side perspective view of another embodiment of anexpander in a retracted configuration according to the presentinvention.

FIGS. 16-18 illustrate side perspective views of the expanderillustrated in FIG. 15 in different intermediate configurations.

FIG. 19 illustrates the expander illustrated in FIG. 15 in a deployedconfiguration.

FIG. 20 illustrates a close-up exploded perspective view of somecomponents of the expander illustrated in FIG. 15.

FIG. 21 illustrates a close-up perspective view the latch mechanism in areleased configuration.

FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of the expander illustrated inFIG. 15 in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 22A illustrates another embodiment of an expander according to thepresent invention in a collapsed configuration in a collapsedconfiguration.

FIG. 22B illustrates the expander illustrated in FIG. 22A in a deployedconfiguration.

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of the expander illustrated inFIG. 22A.

FIG. 24 illustrates a side view of the expander illustrated in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 illustrates an end view of the expander illustrated in FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 illustrates a bottom view of the expander illustrated in FIG.23.

FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view of the expander illustrated inFIG. 23 in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 28 illustrates a close-up perspective view of a portion of theexpander illustrated in FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view of the expander illustrated inFIG. 27.

FIG. 30 illustrates a close-up perspective view of a portion of theexpander illustrated in FIG. 27.

FIG. 30A illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of anexpander according to the present invention transforming from acollapsed configuration to a deployed configuration.

FIG. 30B illustrates a perspective view of the expander in FIG. 30A inits collapsed configuration being held by a toy figure.

FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view of the expander illustrated inFIG. 30A in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 32 illustrates a side view of the expander illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 illustrates an end view of the expander illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 34 illustrates a close-up view of a portion of the expanderillustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 35 illustrates an end view of the expander illustrated in FIG. 31in an intermediate configuration.

FIG. 36 illustrates a side view of the expander illustrated in FIG. 31in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 37 illustrates a perspective view of the expander illustrated inFIG. 36.

FIG. 38 illustrates a side view of a portion of the expander illustratedin FIG. 36.

FIGS. 39 and 40 illustrate perspective views of a collapsedconfiguration and a deployed configuration of another embodiment of anexpander according to the present invention.

FIG. 41 illustrates a perspective view of a deployed configuration ofanother embodiment of an expander according to the present invention.

FIG. 42 illustrates a perspective view of a deployed configuration ofanother embodiment of an expander according to the present invention.

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elementsthroughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, an expander includes several expander components ormembers or panels that are coupled to each other and that are placeablein collapsed or retracted positions, corresponding to a collapsedconfiguration of the expander, and placeable in deployed or expandedpositions, corresponding to a deployed or expanded configuration of theexpander. Thus, the expander is transformable from a state orconfiguration in which it is folded flat to a state or configuration inwhich it forms a three-dimensional object.

Different embodiments of expanders according to the present inventionare disclosed herein. In each of the embodiments, the movable membersthat are coupled to each other are expander components or members. Asillustrated in the Figures and described below, each expander includesseveral expander components that have thin, planar configurations withmultiple ends or edges. An expander component is coupled along one endor edge to another expander component. An elongate member, such as aconnector like a pin, engages both expander components to pivotallycouple them together. The expander components are coupled to each otherand movable about the connector.

In the disclosed embodiments, each expander includes biasing mechanisms,such as torsion springs, that are located between adjacent, coupledexpander components to bias the expander components apart. The biasingmechanisms are mounted on a corresponding connector such that thebiasing mechanism is located between and is coupled to the correspondingexpander components. Each biasing mechanism is positioned so that itbiases or forces the coupled expander components away from each other totheir expanded positions and to an expanded shape or configuration. Insome embodiments, the expander components may include a notch to receivean end of a biasing mechanism. Expander components that are coupled toeach other extend at angles relative to each other in their deployedpositions. In other words, the components are angled away from eachother in their deployed positions.

When the expander components are moved to their retracted positions, theexpander components extend parallel to each other and are locatedadjacent to each other. The pivoting connections between adjacentexpander components facilitate the folding of the expander to itscollapsed configuration. In addition, the end-to-end connections betweenadjacent expander components facilitate the collapsing and folding ofthe expander.

Accordingly, the expander in its collapsed configuration has a small,compact shape. The effect of the expander components moving to theirdeployed positions is that the expander in its deployed configurationhas a much larger shape and resembles a figure, a character, or anobject that is different than the appearance of the expander in itscollapsed configuration.

In one embodiment, the expander includes a latch that retains theexpander components or members in their retracted positions, and thus,the expander in its collapsed configuration. The latch can be pivotallycoupled to one of the expander components. In some embodiments, thelatch is biased into a latching or locking position so as to retain theexpander in its collapsed configuration. In some embodiments, the latchmay include a projection that engages a corresponding projection ornotch on a different expander component.

The expander is collapsed by folding the expander components togetheragainst the forces of the biasing members. When the expander componentsare proximate to each other in their retracted positions, the latch canbe actuated to lock and retain the expander in this configuration.

When a sufficient force from a child or a different object is applied tothe expander, the latch disengages and the biasing members are allowedto move and push apart adjacent, pivotally coupled expander components.The expander components are moved to their deployed positions in whichadjacent components are angled relative to each other. The movement ofthe components is automatic upon the release of the latch. The biasingmembers can be reloaded as the components are folded together manuallyby a child. The automatic expansion of the expander provides aninteresting effect for a child playing with the expander, particularlyin view of the fact that the expander has a different appearance andconfiguration, and even use, in its deployed configuration as comparedto its collapsed configuration.

In one embodiment, an expander can be used with an action figure. Forexample, the expander can be coupled to the action figure, such as to ahand of the action figure. Alternatively, the expander can be mounted onthe body of the action figure, such as a backpack or pack. In oneembodiment, the expander can move between its collapsed configurationand its deployed configuration while the expander is coupled to theaction figure. In an alternative embodiment, the expander can be in itscollapsed configuration while coupled to the action figure, and upondisengagement from the action figure, the expander can automaticallychange to its deployed configuration.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, several views of an action figure with anexpander are illustrated. In one embodiment, the action FIG. 10 has abody 12 with a pair of arms 14 and 16 that include hands or handportions 18 and 20. In this embodiment, the expander or accessory 50 iscoupleable to the action FIG. 10 and can be disposed in multipleconfigurations. The different configurations of the expander 50 permitthe expander 50 to be somewhat hidden and withdrawn in some uses, aswell as displayed and manipulated in other uses, such as in a battlewith another action figure, a character, or an object. The accessory 50is referred to as an expander because the size and configuration of theaccessory 50 changes or expands between configurations, as discussedbelow.

As shown in FIG. 1, the expander 50 can be mounted to a hand 18 of theaction FIG. 10. In one implementation, the expander 50 can be removablycoupled to the hand 18 via a snap-fit connection or another releasabletype of coupling. The expander 50 has a retracted or collapsedconfiguration 52 as shown in FIG. 1. In this configuration, the expander50 can be proximate to the body 12 of the action FIG. 10 and moved withthe arm 14.

The expander 50 includes several components that are movable relative toeach other. The components are generally thin and planar inconfiguration and some of the components are pivotally coupled to someof the other components. In the collapsed configuration 52, thecomponents of the expander 50 are substantially aligned with andparallel to each other. In this arrangement, the overall shape andconfiguration of the expander 50 is minimized because the components areessentially “folded” onto or along one another.

Referring to FIG. 2, a user can move the arm 14 along the direction ofarrow “A” relative to the body 12. At the same time or substantiallysimultaneously, the expander 50 is released from its retractedconfiguration 52. In one embodiment, the expander 50 includes a latchmechanism that retains the expander 50 in its retracted configurationagainst the bias of one or more biasing members, such as springs. Whenthe latch mechanism of the expander 50 is released, the biasing membersmove the different expander components of the expander 50 apart throughan intermediate configuration 54 to their positions that correspond tothe deployed configuration 56 illustrated in FIG. 3. Referring to FIG.2, the components of the accessory move along the direction of arrow “B”due to the force of the biasing members.

Referring to FIG. 3, the components of the accessory 50 continue tounfold and expand along the direction of arrow “C” due to the biasingmembers between adjacent expander components. The expander componentsmove until they reach their expanded positions, which correspond to thedeployed configuration 56 of the expander 50. Some of the expandercomponents may include abutment surfaces that limit the pivoting ofadjacent expander components.

In this embodiment, the expander 50 includes a launcher 60 that includesexpander portions 62 and 64 that cooperate to eject or project an object70, such as a disc, along the direction of arrow “D.” The expanderportions 62 and 64 resemble two portions of a hand; portion 62resembling fingers and portion 64 resembling a thumb. The object 70 canbe located between the expander portions 62 and 64 when the expanderportions 62 and 64 are folded together. The force of the unfolding ofthe portions 62 and 64 results in the object 70 being launched from theexpander 50.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, an expander is illustrated in collapsedand retracted configurations. As shown, the expander 100 is coupleableto a toy FIG. 10 and in particular, to an arm 14 of the toy FIG. 10. Asdescribed in detail below, the expander 100 includes several expandermembers or components that are substantially planar members andproximate to each other in a collapsed configuration 102 of the expander100. When a latch mechanism is released, one or more biasing membersforce the expander members apart to their expanded positions in thedeployed configuration of the expander 100 illustrated in FIG. 3B.

Referring to FIGS. 4-11, an embodiment of an expander according to thepresent invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the expander 100can be coupled to an action figure (not shown), in a manner similar tothat discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-3. As described below,expander 100 includes several expander components that are coupled toadjacent expander components in an end-to-end arrangement, whichfacilitates the expanding and collapsing of the expander 100. Asillustrated, the expander components have outer perimeter edges andadjacent ones of the expander components are coupled to each other alongtheir outer perimeter edges as shown in FIGS. 4-11.

Referring to FIG. 4, a collapsed configuration 102 of the expander 100is illustrated. In this configuration 102, the expander 100 has acompact overall shape and as shown, many of the expander components arefolded parallel to each other. The deployed configuration 108 of theexpander is illustrated in FIG. 10. As illustrated, the overall lengthof the expander 100 is much greater in the deployed configuration 108than in the collapsed configuration 102.

Referring back to FIG. 4, the expander 100 includes a base component 110with a mounting end 112 and a distal end 118 opposite to the mountingend 112. The base component 110 includes a body portion 111 that issubstantially planar and a mounting portion 113 proximate to the bodyportion 111. As shown in FIG. 5A, the mounting portion 113 includes aninner wall 114 at end 112 that defines a receptacle 116 into which acorresponding projection formed on a portion of a figure can beinserted. For example, a figure may include a projection on one of itshands that is configured to be inserted into the receptacle 116 andretained therein via friction or a mechanical structure such as a tab.The base component 110 also includes a support portion 130 with a stand132 and a recess to which another component is coupled, as describedbelow.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the expander 100 also includes an expandercomponent 140 that is pivotally coupled to the base component 110.Expander component 140 includes opposite ends 142 and 144. End 142 ispivotally coupled to end 118 of base component 110 via a connector orpin 122 that is inserted through an opening 120 formed in end 118 and anopening (not shown) formed in end 142.

Referring to FIG. 4A, expander component 140 includes an extension 146that includes the opening through which the connector 122 is inserted.As shown, the connector 122 extends through shoulders 124 and 126 oncomponent 110 that are on opposite sides of the extension 146. Mountedon the connector 122 is a biasing member 150. In this embodiment, thebiasing member 150 is a spring that is coiled about the connector 122and that has two loops at its opposite ends 152 and 154. The biasingmember 150 includes a central opening through which the connector 122 isinserted. Each of the components 110 and 140 has a notch or recessformed therein (see FIG. 4A) that is configured to receive one of thespring ends 152 and 154 to align spring 150. The spring ends 152 and 154press onto the opposing facing surfaces of the expander components 110and 140 so as to force the components 110 and 140 away from each otherabout connector 122. This movement results in the configuration of thecomponents 110 and 140 expanding as expander component 140 moves to itsexpanded or deployed position.

Returning to FIG. 4, when the components 110 and 140 are placed in theirretracted positions, the components 110 and 140 extend parallel to eachother and are proximate to each other. As shown, the components 110 and140 are in contact with and lie along each other.

Referring to FIGS. 8-10, the expander 100 has a launcher 170 thatincludes a launcher base 180, a first expander portion 190, and a secondexpander portion 200. Each of the base 180 and the expander portions 190and 200 can be referred to as an expander component or member as well.While the launcher base 180 and the expander portions 190 and 200 areillustrated in their deployed positions in FIG. 10, returning to FIG. 4,the base 180 and expander portions are illustrated in their collapsedpositions. As shown, launcher base 180 is pivotally coupled to expandercomponent 140 in an end-to-end arrangement. Also, each of the expanderportions 190 and 200 is pivotally coupled to the launcher base 180. Therelative movement of the base 180 and expander portions 190 and 200 isdiscussed in greater detail below.

Referring back to FIG. 4, the expander 100 also includes a coverexpander member 220 and a link expander member 230. The cover expandermember 220 includes opposite ends 222 and 224 and link expander member230 includes opposite ends 232 and 234. End 224 of the cover expandermember 220 is pivotally coupled to end 234 of link expander member 230via a connector or pin 226. A biasing mechanism 238, such as a spring(see FIG. 7), is mounted on the pin 226 and is positioned to biasmembers 220 and 230 apart. End 232 of member 230 is pivotally coupled tothe base component 110 via a pin 236 (as shown in FIG. 7).

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the expander 100 is illustrated in anintermediate configuration 104. In this configuration, expandercomponent 220 is pivoted along the direction of arrow “E” so that innersurface 221 of component 220 is exposed and launcher base 180 is exposed(as opposed to outer surface 223 shown in FIG. 5). Referring to FIG. 7,some of the components are illustrated in detail. In particular, biasingmember 188 on pin 186, which couples the base 180 and portion 200 toeach other is illustrated. Also, the pin 194 that couples portions 190and 200 together and the pin 148 that couples portion 140 to portion 180are also illustrated.

Referring to FIG. 8, the launcher 170 and expander component 140 aremoved relative to the base component 110 along the direction of arrow“F,” thereby resulting in the expander 100 moving to anotherintermediate configuration 106. These movements occur automatically whenthe expander 100 is activated or released and the expander 100 does notstop or remain in its intermediate configurations. Thus, a singlerelease of a latch or catch results in the automatic unfolding andexpanding of the expander.

Continued expanding and unfolding of the expander 100 is illustrated inFIG. 9. As shown, the launcher 170 is pivoted along the direction ofarrow “G” relative to the expander component 140 about connector 148until an abutment between portion 180 and component 240 occurs. Thelauncher 170 is moved along that direction by a biasing mechanism (notshown). In addition, release portion 190 is biased along the directionof arrow “H” about the axis defined by connector 194. The movement ofrelease portion 190 in that manner allows release member 200 to movealong the direction of arrow “I” about the axis defined by connector212. As portion 190 moves out of the way of portion 200, the biasingmechanism that biases expander members 180 and 200 apart can move member200 along the direction of arrow “I” to the positions illustrated inFIG. 10.

In this embodiment, expander member 200 has four spaced apartprojections 208 on surface 206 that define a receiving area 210 (seeFIG. 11) in which an object, such as disc 240 in FIG. 10, can be placed.As the expander member 200 moves along the direction of arrow “I,” theobject 240 is launched from the launcher 170 along the direction ofarrow “K.”

As shown in FIG. 4, when the expander components are placed in theircollapsed or retracted positions, the overall configuration of theexpander 100 is relatively compact and the components are parallel witheach other. However, when the expander components are released, thebiasing mechanisms cause the components to quickly move to theirdeployed positions as illustrated in FIG. 10.

Referring to FIG. 12, another embodiment of an expander according to thepresent invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, an action FIG. 300has a body 302 and a hand 304. Releasably coupleable to the hand 304 isan expander 310 that has a collapsed configuration 312 in which theexpander 310 has a relatively small and slim profile. The expander 310can be mounted to the hand 304 via a mounting mechanism or a frictionalengagement of parts. When the expander 310 is mounted to the hand 304,the action FIG. 300 can be manipulated by a child.

The expander 310 includes a latch mechanism, which retains the expander310 in its collapsed configuration 312. When the latch mechanism isreleased, the expander 310 automatically expands to its deployedconfiguration 314 in which the expander 310 resembles an animal that mayhave an attacking functionality. As shown, the different expandercomponents move apart and have deployed positions which collectivelyform the shape of a scorpion having a body 311, arms 313 and 315, and atail 317. An exemplary embodiment of such an expander 310 is illustratedin greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 15-22.

Referring to FIG. 13, another embodiment of an expander according to thepresent invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, an action FIG. 320has a body 322 and a hand 324. Releasably coupleable to the hand 324 isan expander 330. In this embodiment, the expander 330 includes a bar 338that can be grasped by the hand 324 as shown. The expander 330 has acollapsed or retracted configuration 332 in which the expander 330 has arelatively small and slim profile.

When a latch mechanism of the expander 330 is released, the expander 330automatically expands to a deployed configuration 330 in which it is aweapon. In this embodiment, the expander 330 has a stand 333 and alauncher 335 that is configured to project an object 336, as shown.

Referring to FIG. 14, another embodiment of an expander according to thepresent invention is illustrated. An action FIG. 340 has a body 342 anda hand 344. In this embodiment, the expander 350 has a retractedconfiguration 352 in which it resembles a weapon, such as a sword orblade, that can be held and used by the FIG. 340. Upon release of alatch mechanism, the components of the expander 350 are automaticallymoved to their deployed positions and the expander 350 has a deployedconfiguration 354. In this configuration 354, the expander 350 resemblesan animal. In some implementations, the animal may have the ability tolaunch an object, such as a disc 356.

Referring to FIGS. 14A-22, another embodiment of an expander accordingto the present invention is illustrated. While expander 400 is notillustrated as being coupled to a figure, it is to be understood thatthe expander 400 can be mounted on a figure. For example, the expandercan be mounted to the hand of a figure. In one implementation, theexpander can appear to be dispensed by a ring worn by the figure, suchas the actions that occur from a ring worn by the Green Lantern figure.

Referring to FIG. 14A, expander 400 is placeable in a collapsedconfiguration 402 in which the expander 400 is compact and folded. Theexpander 400 includes a pair of handles 401 that can be coupled to thehands of a toy figure. When a catch or latch is released, the expander400 transforms to its deployed configuration 410 illustrated in FIG.14B, which in this embodiment is a scorpion.

In this embodiment, the expander 400 has a retracted configuration 402as shown in FIG. 15. The expander 400 has several expander componentsthat are biased by mechanisms, such as springs, to expanded or deployedpositions, as described below. When the expander components are in theirdeployed positions, the expander 400 has a deployed configuration 410,which is illustrated in FIG. 22. The expander 400 in its deployedposition resembles a scorpion with a head, a body, arms, legs, and atail. The expander 400 is illustrated in some intermediateconfigurations 404 (see FIG. 16), 406 (see FIG. 17), and 408 (see FIG.18). When released, the expander 400 automatically reconfigures from itsretracted configuration 402 to its deployed configuration 410 passingthrough the intermediate configurations 404, 406, and 408.

Referring back to FIG. 15, the expander 400 has several expandercomponents, the majority of which are aligned with and parallel to eachother in the collapsed configuration 402. The expander 400 has a latchcomponent or member 420 that retains the expander components in theircollapsed positions and the expander 400 in its collapsed configuration402.

Referring to FIG. 16, the latch component 420 has a first or proximalend 422 that is pivotally coupled to another component by connector orpin 428. The body of the latch component 420 is movable about the axisdefined by the connector 428 along the direction of arrow “L.” The latchcomponent 420 also has a second or distal end 424 that has a projection426 extending therefrom. In this embodiment, the latch component 420 hasa general L-shape, which facilitates the engagement of the latchcomponent 420 in its locking position (shown in FIG. 15).

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a cover member 430 forms the outer, and insome orientations the front, surface of the expander 400 in itscollapsed configuration 402. The cover member 430 has opposite ends 432(see FIG. 15) and 434 (see FIG. 16). The cover member 430 has an outersurface 436 in which a notch or recess 438 is formed. The notch 438 issized to receive the projection 426 of latch member 420 and frictionallyretain it therein. When a child pushes inwardly on the cover member 430along the direction of arrow “M,” the cover member 430 and its notch 438move away from the projection 426. This movement allows the latch member420 to pivot along the direction of arrow “L” automatically due to thebiasing mechanism (not shown) forcing the latch member in thatdirection.

As shown in FIG. 16, the cover member 430 has an opening 433 formedtherein in which a connector or pin 437 and a biasing member 439 locatedon pin 37 are located. The pin 437 is described in greater detail below.

Referring to FIG. 17, another intermediate configuration 406 of theexpander 400 is illustrated. In this configuration 406, the tail 418 haspivoted about axis 417 relative to the body 412 from its position shownin FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 17, the tail 418 of the expander 400includes several expander components or members. In addition to covermember 430, the tail 418 includes expander member 440 that is pivotallycoupled to the cover member 430. Expander member 440 includes oppositeends 442 and 444. End 442 is pivotally coupled to cover member 430 by aconnector 437 which defines the axis about which the expander member 440pivots.

In addition, expander 400 includes an expander member 450 that ispivotally coupled to expander member 440. Expander member 450 hasopposite ends 452 and 454. End 452 is pivotally coupled to end 444 ofmember 440 by a connector 446 which defines the axis about which member450 pivots. End 454 forms a distal tip of the tail 418.

End 434 of cover member 430 is coupled to expander member 460, whichalso includes opposite ends 462 and 464. In particular, end 434 iscoupled to end 462 via a connector 466, which defines the axis aboutwhich the cover member 430 pivots when released. End 464 is coupled tobody portion 470 by connector 468.

Notably, the sections or components of the tail 418 are movably mountedto adjacent sections in an end-to-end arrangement. The particularmountings of the sections to each other allow the sections to be placedparallel to and along other sections in the collapsed configuration 402,thereby facilitating the reduced profile of the expander 400 (see FIG.15). Also, as shown, the components of the tail 418 are exemplary of theconcept of components positioned at angles relative to each other.Notably, the angles between adjacent components are determined bymechanical stops or abutments on the components that engage the adjacentcomponent and stop the movement relative thereto.

In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 17, the expander members 550and 580 of the expander 400, which resemble claws of the scorpion, areretained in their retracted positions by catches 484 and 482,respectively. In FIG. 18, expander member 550 has been released fromcatch 484 and allowed to move to its deployed position. The expandermember 550 is pivotally coupled to another member 540 by a connector 552which is biased outwardly about connector 542 by biasing mechanism 543.

Referring to FIG. 19, the expander 400 includes pivotally coupled bodyportions 470 and 480. The body portions 470 and 480 are pivotallycoupled to each other at ends 472 and 482 by a connector 473. In thisconfiguration, both expander members 550 and 580 have been released andare extending outwardly from the body portion 480 from which they aresupported. The catches 482 and 484 are pivotally coupled to body portion480 and their upper or distal ends biased apart to their lockingpositions by a biasing member 486, such as a spring, that is placedbetween the catches 482 and 484. As shown in FIG. 21, the catches 482and 484 can be moved toward each other along the directions of arrows“N” and “O,” respectively. In addition, the catches 482 and 484 can bemoved together by the inner edges of members 550 and 580 engaging thelip portions of the catches 482 and 484. Once the lip portions havecleared the edges of members 550 and 580, the lip portions can engagethe outer surfaces of the members 550 and 580 to retain the members 550and 580 in their collapsed positions.

Referring back to FIG. 19, the expander 400 includes a leg member 500that is pivotally coupled to a link member 490 by a connector 502. Abiasing member 504 is located between the link member 490 and the legmember 500 such that the leg member 500 moves about the connector 502 inresponse to a force applied by the biasing member 504. The link member490 is coupled to body member 470 via connector 492 and biased relativethereto by biasing mechanism 494. The link member 490 allows the legmember 500 to be folded proximate to the body member 470 and beneathexpander component 550 in the collapsed configuration 402. On theopposite side of body portion 470 are another leg member 520 and linkmember 510 that are coupled by connectors and biased by springs in asimilar manner. Referring to FIG. 20, leg member 520 has been removedfrom body portion 470 so that the connector 522 and biasing member 524are visible. The connector 522 can be inserted into shoulders on thebody portion 470.

Referring to FIG. 22, the expander 400 is illustrated in its deployedconfiguration 410 which has the configuration of a scorpion. When achild desires to collapse the expander 400 from configuration 410, thechild folds or pivots the different expander components or membersdescribed above about their corresponding connectors and against thecorresponding biasing members so that the expander 400 has the collapsedconfiguration 402 illustrated in FIG. 15.

Referring to FIGS. 22A-30, another embodiment of an expander accordingto the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, theexpander 600 has a collapsed configuration 602 (see FIGS. 22A and 23-26)and a deployed configuration 604 (see FIGS. 22B and 27). As shown inFIG. 22A, the expander 600 has handle that can be grasped by a toy FIG.601. The expander 600 in its collapsed configuration 602 resembles atool, such as a buzz saw. Referring to FIG. 22B, the expander 600 in itsdeployed configuration 604 is a weapon that can launch projectiles 605upon the actuation of a button or switch 603 by a user.

The expander 600 has a grasping member 610 with an end portion 612 witha bar 614 and an opening 616 defined by the bar 614. The fingers of ahand of an action figure can be formed to have an opening between themand the palm of the hand. The bar 614 can be placed in the opening andthe fingers of the hand located around the bar 614 through the opening616. In this arrangement, the action figure can hold onto and supportthe expander 600.

The grasping member 610 is an extension of a main body portion 620 ofthe expander. The main body portion 620 is generally planar and hasexpander components movably coupled to its opposite sides 622 and 624(which are labeled in FIG. 24). As shown in FIG. 23, wing-like expandermembers 640, 660, and 680 are mounted on side 622 of the main bodyportion 620. The wing-like members 640, 660, and 680 are similarlyshaped and have ends 642, 662, and 682, respectively. Connectors 644,664, and 684, such as pins, couple the ends 642, 662, and 682 to linkmembers 650, 670, and 690, respectively, which are illustrated in FIG.27. Referring back to FIG. 23, mounted on connectors 644, 664, and 684are biasing members 646, 666, and 686, which are disposed to bias thewing-like members 640, 660, and 680 to their deployed positions when theexpander 600 is released.

The wing-like members 640, 660, and 680 are retained in their retractedpositions by catches 700, 720, and 740, respectively, which are biasedinto locking positions illustrated in FIG. 23. In these positions, eachof the catches 700, 720, and 740 engages a portion of the correspondingwing-like members 640, 660, and 680. The catches 700, 720, and 740 arepivotally mounted to the main body portion 620 and movable betweenlocked positions and unlocked positions.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, an end view and a bottom view of theexpander 600 in its collapsed configuration are illustrated. Supportexpander members 800 and 810 are pivotally coupled to the main bodyportion 620 via connectors 802 and 812, respectively. The expandermembers 800 and 810 resemble a pair of legs or supports when deployed,as discussed below.

In addition, a launcher 850 is pivotally coupled to surface 624 at end852 by connector 853 which is captured in shoulders 626 and 628. Abiasing member 854 is located between the body of the launcher 850 andthe main body portion 820. The launcher 850 includes side portions 856and 858 that extend from the body of the launcher 850. The body of thelauncher 850 also includes side projections 862 and 864 (shown in FIG.25 and in phantom in FIG. 26) that extend laterally therefrom. Alsopivotally coupled to surface 624 of the main body portion 620 is asecuring member 820. The securing member 820 has side portions 822 and824 and a gap 825 therebetween. The gap 825 is sized so that the end 860of the launcher 850 can be located between the side portions 822 and 824and the side projections 862 and 864 captured beneath.

The launcher 850 can be a spring loaded launcher 850 that can receive aprojectile and launch the projectile in response to the actuation of abutton on the launcher 850.

The launcher 850 is maintained in its retracted position when the sideprojections 862 and 864 are captured by the side portions 822 and 824,as shown. Each of the side portions 822 and 824 includes a lip behindwhich the corresponding one of the side projections 862 and 864 can belocated to lock and latch the expander components in their retractedpositions. The expander members 800 and 810 are retained in theirretracted positions as illustrated by the side members 856 and 858 ofthe launcher 850. Thus, as illustrated in FIGS. 23-26, the variousexpander components of the expander 600 are retained in their retractedpositions until released.

Referring to FIG. 27, an expanded or deployed configuration 604 of theexpander 600 is illustrated. As shown, the wing-like members 640, 660,and 680 move upwardly and outwardly relative to surface 622 of main bodyportion 620.

Referring to FIG. 28, the catches 700, 720, and 740 are illustrated indetail. The main body portion 620 includes a central shoulder 625 aboutwhich the catches 700, 720, and 740 are located. Catch 700 includes amiddle portion 702 with an opening through which a connector 705 isinserted. The catch 700 is pivotally mounted to the main body portion620 via and about the connector 705. A biasing mechanism 701, such as aspring, biases the catch 700 outwardly away from the central shoulder625 along the direction of arrow “P” to its locking position in whichthe catch 700 engages an edge of the wing-like member 640. Catch 700 canbe moved along the direction of arrow “Q” against the bias of the springto disengage the catch 700 from the wing-like member 640. Thesemovements are described below.

Similarly, catches 720 and 740 are pivotally coupled to the main bodyportion 620 by connectors 725 and 745, respectively. The catches 720 and740 are biased outwardly away from the central shoulder 625 by biasingmechanisms as well. When the catches 720 and 740 are in their lockingpositions, the catches 720 and 740 engage edges of wing-like members 660and 680, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 29, a bottom perspective view of expander 600 in adeployed configuration 604 is illustrated. The release of the componentsoccurs when a child pivots member 820 about connector 823 along thedirection of arrow “Z.” As member 820 is moved in that direction, thelips of portions 822 and 824 (shown as lip 827 in FIG. 29) are pulledover the side projections 862 and 864 of the launcher 850, which allowsthe launcher 850 to be pivoted by biasing mechanism 854 along thedirection of arrow “R.” Simultaneously, expander members 800 and 810 arepivoted by their respective biasing mechanisms relative to the main bodyportion 620 along the direction of arrow “R” to their deployedpositions.

As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the main body portion 620 has an actuator880 that includes a button 882 that is movably mounted to body portion620. The button 882 is biased outwardly along the direction of arrow “S”and can be moved inwardly along the direction of arrow “T.” The outwardbiasing of button 882 is caused by a biasing mechanism, such as aspring.

Referring to FIG. 30, the catches 700, 720, and 740 have lower endportions 710, 730, and 750, respectively. The lower end portions 710,730, and 750 are integrally formed with the upper ends of the catches700, 720, and 740, which engage the wing-like members as previouslydescribed. Each of the connectors 705, 725, and 745 is located betweenthe upper end and the lower end of its respective catch. The button 882includes a disc-shaped portion 883 that has a curved surface thatengages the lower end portions 710, 730, and 750, forcing them to pivotabout their respective connectors outwardly along the directions ofarrows “AB” as the button 882 is forced along the direction of arrow“S.” When the button 882 is forced inwardly along the direction of arrow“T” in FIG. 29 and arrow “AA” in FIG. 30, the surface of portion 883 nolonger forces the end portions 710, 730, and 750 outwardly. As a result,the catches 700, 720, and 740 are biased to their locking positions bytheir springs. This movement of the button 882 inwardly is caused by theengagement of the body of the launcher 850 with the button 882. As thelauncher 850 is retained in its locked position (as shown in FIG. 26),the launcher 850 maintains the button 882 in its retracted position,thereby allowing the catches 700, 720, and 740 to engage and retain thewing-like members 640, 660, and 680 in their retracted positions.

When the latch 820 is released, the launcher 850 pivots along thedirection of arrow “R” in FIG. 29, and disengages from the button 882.As a result, the button 882 moves outwardly, engaging the lower ends710, 730, and 750 of the catches 700, 720, and 740, thereby pivoting thecatches 700, 720, and 740 inwardly toward the central shoulder 825. Thismovement disengages the catches 700, 720, and 740 from the wing-likemembers 640, 660, and 680, thereby allowing the wing-like members to bemoved to their deployed positions by their associated springs.

The expansion of expander 600 occurs automatically when latch 820 isreleased and the previously described expander components are moved bytheir corresponding springs. A child may move the expander components totheir retracted positions in a manner reverse to the releasing of thecomponents.

Referring to FIGS. 30A-40, another embodiment of an expander accordingto the present invention is illustrated. The expander 900 has acollapsed configuration 906 in which it can be held by a toy figure oruser 901 (see FIG. 30B), and a deployed configuration 902 in which it isa stand-alone animal.

Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, the expander 900 has a deployedconfiguration 902 in which the expander 900 has the shape orconfiguration of an animal. The expander 900 can be manually foldedthrough several intermediate configurations (such as configuration904—see FIG. 36) to a collapsed configuration 906 (see FIGS. 37 and 38).The expander 900 includes several expander components or members thatare pivotally coupled and biased to deployed positions by biasingmechanisms.

In this embodiment, the expander 900 has a front end 907 and a rear end908 and a longitudinal axis 909 that extends between the ends 907 and908. The expander 900 includes a body portion 910 that includes a legportion 912 and a facial portion 914 with a simulated jaw 916. In thisembodiment, the leg portion 912 and the facial portion 914 areintegrally formed. Body portion 910 has an end 918 that is pivotallycoupled to another expander component via connector 922 which extendsthrough shoulders 920. The body portion 910 is pivotable about connector922. On its outer surface, body portion 910 includes a projection 924that is integrally formed therewith. The function of the projection 924is described in detail below.

The expander 900 also includes a body portion 930 that includes a legportion 932 and a facial portion 934 with a simulated jaw 936. The bodyportion 930 has an end 938 that is pivotally coupled to another expandercomponent via connector 942 which extends through shoulders 940. Bodyportion 930 is pivotally movable about connector 942.

In this embodiment, the leg portion 932 is formed separate from and ismovably coupled to the body portion 930. The leg portion 932 has an end950 that is pivotally mounted to the body portion 930 via a connector952 that extends through shoulders 954 and 956 of the leg portion 932and shoulder 944 of the body portion 930. The connector 952 extendsthrough a biasing mechanism or spring 958 that biases the leg portion932 about the connector 952 to its deployed position illustrated in FIG.32.

Coupled to an outer surface of body portion 930 is a latch 970. Thelatch 970 includes a body portion 972 with an end 974 that is coupled tothe leg portion 932 via a connector 976. Located about a portion of theconnector 976 is a biasing mechanism 978, such as a spring. The bodyportion 972 includes a distal end 980 that can be engaged with theprojection 924 on the other body portion 910, as described in greaterdetail below.

In this embodiment, expander 900 also includes a central expanderassembly 1000 and rear portions 1100 and 1140 which are coupled to eachother and to different expander components of the central expanderassembly 1000. The central expander assembly includes a first sideexpander component 1010, a second side expander component 1030, and aprojection expander component 1050. The first side expander component1010 has a body portion 1012 and opposite sides or edges 1014 and 1016.Located along each of the sides or edges 1014 and 1016 are severalshoulders that have an opening therethrough. Connector 1020 extendsthrough the shoulders on side 1016 of component 1010. A biasingmechanism 1022 (shown in FIG. 31) is mounted on the connector 1020.

Similarly, the second side expander component 1030 has a body portion1032 and opposite sides or edges 1034 and 1036. Located along each ofthe sides 1034 and 1036 are several shoulders that have an openingtherethrough. The connector 1020 extends through the shoulders on side1036, thereby pivotally coupling side 1036 with side 1016.

The projection component 1050 includes several shoulders, each of whichincludes an opening through which the connector 1020 is inserted. Thus,the connector 1020 couples the components 1010, 1030, and 1050 togetheralong their edges. The biasing mechanism 1022 includes two end loops,one of which rests against the surface of component 1010 as shown inFIG. 31, and the other of which rests against the surface of component1030. Accordingly, the biasing mechanism 1022 forces components 1010 and1030 away from each other about connector 1022 and axis 909.

In this embodiment, the rear portion 1100 is pivotally coupled at oneend 1102 to rear portion 1140 by a connector 1115, such as a pin (seeFIG. 33). The opposite end 1104 of the rear portion 1100 is coupled tocomponent 1030 by connector 942 as shown in FIG. 32. Rear portion 1100also includes an end or edge 1106 to which tail portion 1110 is coupledvia a connector 1108. Tail portion 1110 is biased to its deployedposition by a biasing mechanism 1112 mounted on the connector 1108. Aprojection or tab 1114 is integrally formed with and extends from tailportion 1110. The tab 1114 is captured beneath rear portion 1100 toretain tail portion 1110 in its retracted configuration.

Similarly, rear portion 1140 is pivotally coupled at one end 1142 torear portion 1100 by a connector, such as a pin. The opposite end 1144of the rear portion 1140 is coupled to component 1010 by connector 922as shown in FIG. 31. Rear portion 1140 also includes an end or edge 1146to which tail portion 1150 is coupled via a connector 1148. Tail portion1150 is biased to its deployed position by a biasing mechanism (notshown) mounted on the connector 1148. A projection or tab 1154 isintegrally formed with and extends from tail portion 1150. The tab 1154is captured beneath rear portion 1140 to retain tail portion 1150 in itsretracted configuration

As shown in FIG. 33, coupled to an inner surface of leg portion 912 is alatch or catch 1090 that has a distal tip 1092 that is configured toengage leg portion 932 in the collapsed configuration 906, as describedbelow. Latch 1090 is pivotally coupled to the leg portion 932 via aconnector 1095 and biased along the direction of arrow “U.”

Referring to FIG. 35, an intermediate configuration 904 showing thefolding of the components of expander 900 is illustrated. Side expandercomponents 1010 and 1030 are pivoted about connector 1020 along thedirection of arrows “V” and “W,” respectively. Simultaneously, rearportions 1110 and 1140 are pivoted about connector 1115 along thedirection of arrows “X” and “Y,” respectively.

Referring to FIGS. 36-38, different views of the expander 900 in itscollapsed configuration 906 are illustrated. As shown in FIG. 36, tailportion 1150 is substantially aligned with rear portion 1140, which isalso aligned with body portion 910. Similarly, the tail portion, rearportion, and body portion on the opposite side of the expander 900 arealigned with each other. The components are maintained in theircollapsed positions when the latch 970 is moved from its unlockedposition 971 (see FIG. 37) to its locked position 973 (see FIG. 36). Inaddition, latch 1090 is also used to retain the expander components intheir collapsed positions. As shown in FIG. 38, latch 1090, which ispivotally coupled to portion 910 via connector 1095, is moved so thatthe tip 1092 engages a recess or notch 931 formed in body portion 930.The biasing mechanism 1097 biases the latch 1090 along the direction ofarrow “Z” about connector 1095, thereby maintaining the latch 1090 inengagement with the recess 931.

The expander components are retained in their collapsed positions by alatch members, which when released, allow the various components of theexpander 900 to automatically move to their deployed positions based onthe forces of biasing mechanisms located between adjacent components.

Referring to FIGS. 39 and 40, perspective views of another embodiment ofan expander according to the present invention is illustrated. In thisembodiment, the expander 1200 is transformable between a collapsedconfiguration 1210 and a deployed configuration 1212. In its collapsedconfiguration 1210, the expander 1200 is folded and its expander membersor components are substantially parallel to each other. In its deployedconfiguration 1212, the expander members are biased apart and theexpander 1200 resembles an animal, such as an alligator.

Referring to FIGS. 41 and 42, perspective views of additionalembodiments of expanders according to the present invention areillustrated. As shown, expander 1250 has a deployed configuration 1252in which its expander members have been pivoted apart to deployedpositions. Expander 1250 includes a handle portion 1254 that can becoupled to the hand of a toy figure so that the toy figure can carry theexpander 1250. As illustrated in FIG. 42, expander 1270 has a deployedconfiguration 1272 in which its expander members are moved to theirspaced apart positions, thereby creating the appearance of an animal.

Consistent with the foregoing description, expander components of anexpander may be coupled to one or more adjacent components in anend-to-end or an edge-to-edge arrangement. Some components may becomponents may be coupled to multiple components. In some embodiments,the ends or edges of a component that are coupled to other componentsare generally parallel to each other. In other embodiments, the ends oredges of a component that are coupled to other components can be angledor offset relative to each other. In yet other embodiments, the ends oredges of a component that are coupled to other components can besubstantially perpendicular to each other. Finally, a component may havesome of its connected edges or ends that are parallel, perpendicular,and/or offset from other edges or ends that are connected to othercomponents.

In one embodiment, the expander components are formed of molded plastic.In one embodiment, the expander can resemble a vehicle, such as a car ora truck, in its expanded configuration.

It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,”“bottom,” “front,” “end,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,”“upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the likeas may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of referenceand do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation orconfiguration. Further, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc.,merely identify one of a number of portions, components and/or points ofreference as disclosed herein, and do not limit the present invention toany particular configuration or orientation.

Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described hereinas embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless notintended to be limited to the details shown, since various modificationsand structural changes may be made therein without departing from thescope of the inventions. In addition, various features from one of theembodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments.Accordingly, it is appropriate that the invention be construed broadlyand in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A toy comprising: a first expander member havinga thin, planar configuration, a first end, and a second end opposite tothe first end; a second expander member having a thin, planarconfiguration, a first end, and a second end opposite to the first endof the second expander member, the second end of the first expandermember being pivotally coupled to the second end of the second expandermember in an end-to-end arrangement, the first expander member beingmovable relative to the second expander member, the first expandermember and the second expander member being placeable in retractedpositions and in expanded or deployed positions relative to each other,the first expander member and the second expander member being angledaway from each other in the expanded positions and parallel to eachother in the retracted positions.
 2. The toy of claim 1, furthercomprising: a first biasing member coupled to the first expander memberand to the second expander member, the first biasing member biasing thefirst expander member and the second expander member away from eachother to the expanded positions.
 3. The toy of claim 2, furthercomprising: a latch mechanism that is configured to retain the firstexpander member and the second expander member in their retractedpositions against the force of the first biasing member.
 4. The toy ofclaim 1, further comprising: a third expander member having a thin,planar configuration, a first end, and a second end opposite to thefirst end of the third expander member, the second end of the thirdexpander member being pivotally coupled to the first end of the secondexpander member in an end-to-end arrangement, the third expander memberbeing movable relative to the second expander member, the third expandermember and the second expander member being placeable in retractedpositions and in expanded positions relative to each other, the thirdexpander member and the second expander member being angled away fromeach other in their expanded positions and parallel to each other intheir retracted positions.
 5. The toy of claim 4, further comprising: asecond biasing member coupled to the third expander member and to thesecond expander member, the second biasing member moving the thirdexpander member and the second expander member away from each other totheir expanded positions, the first expander member, the second expandermember, and the third expander member are proximate to each other andextend along and parallel to each other in their retracted positionswhen the toy is in its collapsed configuration, and the first expandermember, the second expander member, and the third expander member areangled away from each other in their expanded positions when the toy isin its deployed configuration.
 6. The toy of claim 4, wherein the firstexpander member, the second expander member, and the third expandermember are co-planar in their expanded positions.
 7. The toy of claim 4,wherein the first expander member and the third expander member overlythe second expander member when the first expander member, the secondexpander member, and the third expander member are in their retractedpositions.
 8. A reconfigurable toy having a flat, collapsedconfiguration and a deployed configuration, comprising a first expandermember having a flat configuration and an outer perimeter edge; a secondexpander member having a flat configuration and an outer perimeter edge,the outer perimeter edge of the first expander member being pivotallycoupled to the outer perimeter edge of the second expander member, thefirst expander member and the second expander member being movablebetween retracted positions and expanded positions relative to eachother, the first expander member and the second expander member beingangled away from each other in their expanded positions and extendingalong and parallel to each other in their retracted positions; a firstbiasing member coupled to the first expander member and to the secondexpander member, the first biasing member moving the first expandermember and the second expander member to their expanded positions; athird expander member having a flat configuration and an outer perimeteredge, the other perimeter edge of the third expander member beingpivotally coupled to the outer perimeter edge of the second expandermember, the third expander member and the second expander member beingmovable between retracted positions and expanded positions relative toeach other, the third expander member and the second expander memberbeing angled away from each other in their expanded positions andextending along and parallel to each other in their retracted positions;and a second biasing member coupled to the third expander member and tothe second expander member, the second biasing member moving the thirdexpander member and the second expander member to their expandedpositions, the first expander member, the second expander member, andthe third expander member are in their expanded positions when the toyis in its deployed configuration, and the first expander member, thesecond expander member, and the third expander member are in theirretracted positions when the toy is in its collapsed configuration. 9.The reconfigurable toy of claim 8, wherein the first expander member iscoupled to the second expander member in an end-to-end arrangement. 10.The reconfigurable toy of claim 8, wherein the first expander member andthe second expander member contact each other along their length intheir retracted positions, and the third expander member and the secondexpander member contact each other along their length in their retractedpositions.
 11. The toy of claim 8, further comprising: a latch mechanismthat is configured to retain the first expander member and the secondexpander member in their retracted positions against the bias of thefirst biasing member.
 12. The toy of claim 11, wherein the latchmechanism retains the second expander member and the third expandermember in their retracted positions against the bias of the secondbiasing member.
 13. The toy of claim 8, wherein the first expandermember, the second expander member, and the third expander member areco-planar in their expanded positions.
 14. The toy of claim 8, whereinthe first expander member and the third expander member overly thesecond expander member when the first expander member, the secondexpander member, and the third expander member are in their retractedpositions.
 15. An action figure, comprising: a body; and an expandercoupled to the body, the expander having a collapsed configuration and adeployed configuration, the expander including multiple expandercomponents, each of the multiple expander components is pivotallycoupled to at least one other expander component, the expandercomponents extending substantially parallel to each other in thedeployed configuration and being placed along and next to adjacentexpander components in the collapsed configuration.
 16. The actionfigure of claim 15, wherein the expander includes a retaining mechanismand at least one biasing member located between expander components thatare coupled together, and the release of the retaining mechanism allowsthe expander components to move to deployed positions due to the atleast one biasing member.
 17. The action figure of claim 15, wherein thebody has a hand and the expander is mounted to the hand.
 18. The actionfigure of claim 15, wherein the multiple expander components include afirst expander component, a second expander component, and a thirdexpander component, the first expander component is pivotally coupled tothe second expander component, and the second expander component ispivotally coupled to the third expander component.
 19. The action figureof claim 18, wherein the first expander member, the second expandermember, and the third expander member are co-planar in their expandedpositions.
 20. The toy of claim 18, wherein the first expander memberand the third expander member overly the second expander member when thefirst expander member, the second expander member, and the thirdexpander member are in their retracted positions.